Rapid species-level hemolymph color test for all life stages of Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), an invasive and regulatory pest in the United States

Authors: Ahmed, Muhammad

Submitted to: European Congress of Entomology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 5/11/2023
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Slide-mounting is mandatory for accurate morphological identification of mealybug species (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). A typical slide-mounting process is performed in laboratory settings and requires several tedious and technical steps that can take up to 2 hr. Moreover, most of the taxonomic literature on mealybugs is based on adult females, whereas it can be difficult to find adult females in good condition in field samples. We tested 2,635 specimens of 57 mealybug species from 26 genera of Pseudococcidae collected from all over Florida for two consecutive years to discover an alternative to slide-mounting specimens of Nipaecoccus viridis (Newstead), an emerging polyphagous pest of regulatory concern in the United States, now known to occur in Florida. Recent exceptionally high infestations in commercial citrus-growing areas have activated regulatory agencies to implement quarantine and regulatory measures to halt its further spread within and outside Florida. A 5-min hemolymph color test of eggs, immatures, and adults is species-specific to N. viridis. This test will allow for identifying all life stages, even when an adult female is unavailable. We discuss implementing this test in the field to help growers, researchers, and regulators make preliminary identifications.